Irish government back SNP’s minimum pricing law

Gareth Rose

THE SNP’s minimum pricing law has won backing from the Irish government, which is considering introducing similar legislation.

It gives ministers a useful ally in the European Union, in the face of a possible challenge over competition laws.

Irish health minister Dr James Reilly said: “I wish to express my full support for the Scottish proposals on minimum unit pricing of alcohol. This is an important policy measure to reduce the harmful consumption of alcohol and, in this regard, the Irish Department of Health is currently preparing proposals for similar legislation in Ireland.”

The European Commission had warned the Scottish Government’s plans could be in breach of free trade laws.